Monday, June 12, 2017

Facing July Deadline Reince Priebus Praises Trump: Thank You For The Blessing To Serve

After a weekend dominated by discussion of whether he had committed obstruction of justice, the president called in reporters for what he billed as his first full Cabinet meeting. He began with an opening statement laced with the sort of wild self-congratulatory boasts that are his trademark.

"Never has there been a president with few exceptions … who has passed more legislation, done more things," Trump declared, even though Congress, which is controlled by his party, hasn't passed any major legislation.

He hailed his plan for the "single biggest tax cut in American history," even though he hasn't proposed a plan and Congress hasn't acted on one. He said "no one would have believed" his election could have created so many new jobs over the past seven months (1.1 million), even though more jobs (1.3 million) were created in the previous seven months.

Typically, a president's initial comments mark the end of on-camera coverage of White House Cabinet meetings, with administration aides then escorting members of the small press "pool" out of the room. But Trump invited reporters to remain as he called on his senior-most advisers to "go around, name your position" and say a few words about the administration's work.

Vice President Mike Pence told the room serving as Trump's number two is "the greatest privilege of my life."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions: "An honor to be here."

Energy Secretary Rick Perry: "My hat is off to you."

Chief of Staff Reince Priebus: "We thank you for the opportunity and the blessing to serve your agenda."

This is where I should probably mention that according to reports, Trump has given Priebus until July 4th to straighten out the problems in the West Wing or he promises to make serious changes.